I have a black belt in aikido. But that doesn’t mean I’m an expert in the Japanese martial art. Quite the opposite in fact.

In aikido—as in many other martial arts—a black belt is not considered to signify mastery. Achieving a black belt means you are now a “beginner.” You have put in several years of training and have reached a level of competence that enables you to fully explore the art. You understand the basics and can now learn the advanced concepts and skills that truly define that art. You can now begin your journey on the path to mastery.

It’s a concept referred to as “Beginner’s Mind” and it’s just as important for salespeople, executives, and business owners as it is for martial artists. Because no matter how much you know, there’s always more to learn. No matter how good you are, you can always get better. The moment you believe you have mastered what you do, you’re in trouble.

Great martial artists are constantly seeking out new learning opportunities: reading books, watching videos, and attending seminars. And they’re constantly practicing: honing their skills, looking for weaknesses in their technique, getting faster, becoming more graceful.

Great salespeople, executives, and business owners do the same, understanding that they need to get smarter, sharper, better.

When do you stop learning? Um…..never. The top teachers in any martial art will tell you they haven’t mastered it yet and they’re still learning.

That’s Beginner’s Mind. And if you adopt it, it will enable you to achieve incredible success in sales, business, and life. Wherever you are right now, consider that your starting point. Now you can begin.